Thunderbirds star heading to DU

The recently established pipeline from the Colorado Thunderbirds to the University of Denver is flowing. Former Pioneers forward Angelo Ricci, who runs the triple-A amateur organization and coaches its under-16 team, told me today that U18 star Daniel Doremus has committed to play for DU.

Doremus is a forward who grew up in Aspen and Steamboat. He’s a 1991 birth year. Not sure of his immediate plans. I suspect he’ll play next season in junior-A. I will update.

“We are so proud of Daniel and wish him all the best in the future,” said Ricci, an assistant coach on the U18 team under another former Pio, defenseman Shawn Kurulak. “The Thunderbirds continue to provide a vehicle for the elite student-athlete to develop and advance to the next level.”

Ricci previously announced that three of his U17 players _ Gavin Stoick, Quentin Shore and Matias Cleland _ have been selected to tryout for the U.S. National Development Program in Ann Arbor, Mich. That tryout could lead to an appointment on the USNDP’s U17 team. DU has had good success recruiting from the USNDP. Drew Shore is one of three current Pioneers freshmen to play for the U18 last season. Before the Thunderbirds were established, Colorado natives J.D. Corbin and Geoff Paukovich landed at DU from the USNDP.